1,000 Pageviews

So in celebration of over 1,000 page views from 10 countries I decided to post one of my favorite videos. Being able to have fun and bond over things is key in any faith. The best relationships I have in church related groups were started by something funny.

Thankfulness is another aspect of the Catholic faith and that's why I want to thank you. I appreciate the comments on and off the blog. Every time one of my followers tells me they are inspired I am so humbled.

This blog was started in the hopes that it would inspire others and clearly it has. I have felt very safe here because you give me the ability to share my thoughts. But most of all you have allowed me to be completely authentic. Since starting this blog I have been able to work through many of my issues just by writing and posting it here.

Take what you have learned and what you will learn from this blog and share it with others. Even if my "followers" list to the side never expands passed the six of you I know I am being heard.

Thank You and God Bless

Lovely Little Reminders

The past couple of months have been pretty ridiculous. At every turn there is more stress.  I’ve been signing up for next semesters classes and fishing my last three weeks of school. But I also signed up for the St. John Bosco Conference through the University of Steubenville so I can receive my youth ministry certification. That is what has been weighing on me the most. It’s daunting to know that I will probably be the youngest person there and this determines my entry into the professional side of youth ministry.

Today I was on the phone with my mother and I brought up the conference. As we talked I realized just how scared I was about the whole thing. I mean I have five days to run through a guided crash course in youth ministry. That doesn’t seem like much time. But she reminded me that I’ve been involved in ministry since the 7^th grade and probably have more life experience than most of these people anyway.

Even with that extra parental boost of confidence I still didn’t feel ready. So I went about my day and stopped at the organic store, Earth Fare, in Centerville, OH. Not thinking about anything I grabbed my groceries and a bottle of tea and I drove home. Well that bottle of tea held what I was looking for. Being so stressed lately my prayer life has been lacking and God and I haven’t had a heart to heart in a while.

I opened my bottle and about half way through the drink I realized the cap had a message, “Yes we can.” Those three little words were all I needed. Sometimes I get so hung up on the big stuff that I forget the small stuff. My mom was right. I did forget all those hours I spent at youth group on Sundays and everything I’ve learned. I forgot that my age is working with me because it allows me to relate with the kids. But most of all I forgot that a few minutes in prayer could’ve saved me all this trouble.

That leads me to a fact that many of us fail to remember. God doesn’t mind reminding you how wonderful you are. He is just like any other parent who wants to see his children succeed. Through out our lives we will all have a lack of confidence and get hung up on something. When this happens you need to remember that you are not alone and that asking for help doesn’t make you weak. At the time I didn’t know how to ask for help, but God knew I was going through something so He did something about it. He left me a note just like the ones my mother would leave in my lunch. He left a little reminder that He believed in me just like He believes in you.

Depression

Sadness is something we all face from time to time. Whether we call it a rut or the blues or down in the dumps we've all been there. Sometimes it's tough to get rid of, especially if it's classified as depression. Trust me, I have been there and know how hard it is to “just let it go.”
Almost a week ago my cat passed away rather suddenly and I have been barely getting by. Having suffered from depression since junior high I have gotten to know my triggers. Death happens to be one of them. My cat meant so much to me and to hold her while she died made it tough. When you see the light leave a creature's eyes you know something special has left this earth. While losing her was tough I still have another cat to take car of. Having another being depending on me made me get up and get moving. But it hasn't always been that way.

There have been plenty of days when all I do is lay in bed and never move. I let the phone ring and never call back. The rest of the world rolls by as I remove myself. But there are things that make it easier. Starting with little pick me ups is a great way to reward yourself for getting out of bed and going to class or work. Even something as simple as painting your nails or stopping somewhere for one scoop of ice cream can give you a break. The real trick is remembering that you believe in yourself and giving yourself time to grieve properly. My mother always said you can have a full 24 hours to feel “shitty: about yourself, no more and no less.

The process of grieving does not have to be a lifestyle and it doesn't have to be sad. To grieve in a positive way I buried my cat and planted flowers all around her grave. I took the time to pick out the prettiest flowers. During that time I was able to remember what she brought to my life in a safe way. I didn't sit and cry for hours I got up and celebrated the life she led.

If you are suffering from depression I congratulate you on your journey. It will never be easy, but it gives you an appreciation for life and hard work. Everyday that you get out of bed or smile without just going through the motions is a great day.

"Boy, oh, boy, women are perfect."

I agree with Simon Wilder on this one, women are perfect. When I think of the movie "With Honors," one key scene sticks out to me. A Harvard student, Monty, has taken in Wilder with the hope that the bum returns his thesis paper. As Monty runs errands he bring Wilder back to the library where he found him. Because of his attire the librarian scolds him, but Wilder isn't phased. Instead Wilder turns to Monty and the following conversation occurs.

   "Simon Wilder: Women. Ain't they perfect? 

    Monty: Not always. 

    Simon Wilder: Yes, they are, they're perfect. Don't matter if they're     
    skinny, fat, blond or blue. If a woman is willing to give you her love,  
    Harvard, it's the greatest gift in the world. Makes you taller, makes 
    you smarter, makes your teeth shine. Boy, oh, boy, women are 
    perfect."


Wilder addresses an issue that has plagued many women in recent decades. As sensitive creatures we have probably always struggled with this issue of body peace, or lack there of. 


This issue of body peace goes much further than liking your outward self. Inner peace is the first and longest step. It all comes down to being comfortable with YOU, not just your skin. Changing the skin doesn't always fix the problem. I had been on a diet since I was eight years old. I tried everything just to look better. But for me I had to realize that my dad was an alcoholic and called me fat when he was under the influence. I had to recognize my own beauty inside and out to escape a couple of abusive relationships. Most of all I had to surround myself with people that thought I was beautiful with or without makeup and in sweat pants or a dress. It takes action and time, but it's not impossible. 


Now, my friends tell me I'm beautiful as I stress out before an outing. My dad is no longer in the picture, but I have plenty of upstanding men that give me the fatherly love I deserve. I don't talk to those abusive guys that failed to see who I am. Yes it was hard and yes I sometimes revert back to my "unpeaceful" self, but now I have a confidence that is unlike any other.


This is why I would encourage you all to like the Women With Confidence page on Facebook. The girl that runs it has a great vision that is sure to change the world.


Like This Page!

Lent

When I was younger I hated Lent because I always had to give something up. So instead of giving up chocolate, which I love, I would give up hitting my sister or something silly like that. Now I realize how much I was missing.

Lent is a 40 day season in the Catholic church that remembers Jesus' fasting and temptation in the desert. The whole point of giving up something is to prayerfully sacrifice something just like Jesus did. 

So instead of looking at Lent as something I had to do I now look at it as something I should want to do. Just like my prayer life Lent should be for personal growth. And Lent doesn't have to mean giving something up, you are allowed to add something.

This year I tossed around a lot of ideas, but I kept coming back to adding some exercise. I decided to add yoga and bike riding to my life. It really tied in nicely because my research paper in English class is about the risks and benefits of yoga. It's always funny when things tie in.

But if you're still trying to figure out what to do for Lent here are some suggestions.

1. Facebook: This site can flood your life with some very unnecessary drama. By giving this up you'll quickly learn how much you depend on it and who your real friends are. OR You can make a resolution to post a quote, song lyric, photo, or some other sort of inspiration. You may never know how much someone needed to read that quote or hear that song.

2. Texting: This is a favorite among my friends because as a society our people skills are going down hill. Giving this up is a must try at anytime because we are all way to reliant on technology. OR As a family, give up texting at the table. My mom does this when the kids are over and I do this when my friends and I are out.

3. Food: It is so common to give up food, candy or soda, but what if you vowed to try new food. Since moving out I try two new fruits, vegetables, or cheeses per month. It is the greatest thing I have ever done. I learn so much about other cultures and develop a wonderful appreciation for the food I am blessed to have.

Remember, it's not about the quantity of the sacrifice it's the quality.

Yum....

Since moving on my own I have been trying new foods and looking for many more to try. I would encourage everyone to try new foods and learn about the cultures they come from. I have recently fallen in love with pomegranate, muenster cheese, cherry coke, asiago cheese, and greek yogurt. 

1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at www.verygoodtaste.co.uk linking to your results.
5) Go to the grocery and buy a new food to try. I do this once a month.

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street car
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream I love it :)
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas  :P
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float I love it :)
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed donut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin [I have no idea what this is.]
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill    NASTY!!!!!
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse REALLY????
90. Criollo
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake

Out of the 100, items on the list, I’ve eaten 29. There are 2 foods I’ll never try, so that leaves 69 foods I have yet to experience.

How did you do with the list?

Toxic People

One of my new year's resolutions was to clean up my Facebook. In other words, I needed to "deface" some people. You know who I'm talking about. We all can name at least one and pick them out from our friends lists. They are the people who are friends to our face and publicly hate our guts when we're not around. I will admit, I have been that person. It's a toxic cycle of lies, anger, and disrespect for both you and your "victim."

Some of us attract these people and it sucks because they'll reel you in and cast you aside once they've bled you dry. The best example I can think of are those people who can't stand alone. Those who make plans knowing they can't afford it and constantly need to be bailed out. Last post I talked about immature people, sound familiar?

If you have these people in your life I encourage you to remove them. Yes, they need a friend and lots of help, but there comes a point when your needs are more important. You can't cripple yourself emotionally or financially for another person. It does you both a great injustice. You can be their friend, but until they can be one for you there has to be rules. I have a set of rules for one of my friends. I hate liars and unfortunately this is their problem. So we don't hang out very often, but I'm here when they need me.

It's sad that some people need conditions, I know I needed them, but on some level we all do. There is something about each of us that can be toxic if not controlled. Surround yourself with good people and positive thoughts, this is what helped me end the vicious cycle. Maybe it can help you and your friends. I hope that you find some hope in this.

Listening to: Lean On Me

Watching: One Tree Hill-Netflix